Just some of the many vital supplies waiting to be distributed from the M&S Bank Arena

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Liverpool's two major waterfront venues are being used as distribution centres to get supplies to the city's most vulnerable people.

With all events being cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak, both the M&S Bank Arena and the convention centre are being used as hubs to support Liverpool City Council's efforts to ensure those in need are supported.

The massive operation has seen thousands of items a week distributed to vulnerable families across the city, including essential food and household goods.

The M&S Bank Arena and Exhibition Centre are being used as distribution hubs during the coronavirus outbreak

Deliveries of PPE equipment have also been received through the venue, going on to be distributed across Liverpool, the wider Merseyside region, and Cheshire to NHS trusts and other frontline services.

The operation is being led by the city council and is expected to continue for the duration of the government restrictions relating to coronavirus.

Bob Prattey, chief executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, operators of the Liverpool event campus - which includes ACC Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena and Exhibition Centre Liverpool - said: "As a city owned venue, we operate within the heart of our local community, and we will always stand ready to support in the health and well-being of the residents of Liverpool city region.

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"Since the outbreak of coronavirus, we have been working closely with our owners at Liverpool City Council to scenario plan for various ways in which our venues could be used to support with its response and recovery efforts.

"We are pleased to have been able to support its operation to ensure the distribution of vital products and equipment across the local community and city region and we will continue to stand ready to support in any way we are required."

Pullman Liverpool hotel, also owned by The ACC Liverpool Group, has been on standby as a social care recovery centre.

The Pullman Liverpool hotel

It is unlikely to be needed as capacity in established venues is meeting demand, but the hotel stands ready to be used if needed.

Councillor Wendy Simon, deputy mayor of Liverpool, said: "Ahead of lockdown, teams in the city council were looking at ways in which we could support the most vulnerable in the city and we needed a location where not only a newly established volunteer team could be managed and based, but where we could also carry out the logistical side of the operation.

"The ACC Liverpool campus has been the perfect site in terms of its size and location.

"For more than eight weeks a dedicated city council team, in partnership with Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, has worked around the clock to meet the needs of thousands of people across the city.

"More than 6,000 emergency food parcels alone have been packaged in the arena and sent to residents who had no other ways of accessing food.

“This partnership work has been a shining light in these dark and challenging times and I'd like to thank The ACC Liverpool Group for its ongoing support."